images courtesy of studio carre’
Weddings of Distinction staged its final meeting of the year on November 24th at Maderas (www.maderasgolf.com). WoD member Susan Khania was our host and introduced us to her assistant and GM Bill O’Brien. They treated members to a fantastic lunch and showed off their beautiful property. Maderas, while being known as a first class golf course, hosts corporate and family functions and weddings throughout the year. Maderas stands out for its beauty, staff service and delicious menu offerings.
Special guests included: Sara Sergeant, Catering Manager from the Sheraton Carlsbad (www.sheratoncarlsbad.com), Lindsey Campbell, Senior Sales Associate from Plush Lounge (www.loungefurniturerental.com), photographer Mike Blomgren, husband of WoD member Ellie Blomgren from A New Twist Hair & Make-up (www.anewtwist4u.com), and new little baby Kailyn Grace Murphy, daughter of WoD member Krista Murphy, Catering Manager from the Manchester Grand Hyatt (www.manchestergrand.hyatt.com).
The luncheon meeting took a different turn this month as we tested an open forum format for the first time. Led by moderators President Bob Brichmann from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com) and Vice-President Ann Strobel from Ann’s Plans (www.annsplans.com), the goal of the meeting was to share marketing advice amongst all members to benefit both personal and business growth.
Four panelists covered several areas of modern marketing significance and shared their expertise on subjects ranging from web site/SEO and social media, industry thank you gifting, email campaigns, networking and giving back to the community. Panelists shared what they have done and what works for them and how each member might consider doing the same or some similar action to benefit their businesses. A lengthy question & answer session ensued and many, many ideas were shared.
Special thanks to all members who participated but especially to our panelists: photographer Lisa Gisczinski from Elle G Photography (www.ellegphotography.com), flamenco guitarist Anthony Garcia (www.agarciaguitar.com), coordinator Cynthia Zatkin Blase from Cynthia Zatkin Events (www.czevents.com), and DJ/Emcee Merrylin Brichmann from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com).
In addition to the format test being well received by those in attendance, upcoming holiday party news was shared, raffle prizes were doled out courtesy of florist Lois Mathews and our host Susan Khania from Maderas, birthdays were acknowledged and much networking and referrals was shared by all.
The Weddings of Distinction 2009 Board:
President, Bob Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com)
Vice-President, Ann Strobel, Coordinator from Ann’s Plans (www.annsplans.com)
Treasurer, Merrylin Brichmann, DJ & Emcee from Artistic Productions (www.artistic-productions.com)
Founding President, Susan Ashley from Romantic Honeymoons, (www.romantichoneymoonsbysusan.com)
Membership, Carrie Esparza from San Diego Authentic Flavors Custom Catering (www.sdauthenticflavors.com)
Secretary, Andrea Pena from The Prado at Balboa Park (www.balboaparkweddings.com)
Committee Members:
Marketing: Shannon Henry, photographer from Studio Carre (www.studiocarre.com)
Weddings of Distinction is a non-profit networking group specializing in weddings and special events (www.sandiegoweddingsofdistinction.com). They meet monthly at various San Diego County hotels, resorts and special event facilities.
